Mailing List
Get the latest news by email.

Your email:

New Members

In order to serve you better, select your area code in the drop down list below.

Aller à la version française

2008 Buell 1125R Review

9-23-2008

by Pascal Bastien , moto123.com

Buell proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary with the introduction of a new sportbike. The American manufacturer is seriously threatening its Japanese and Italian counterparts with this very enticing high-performance machine. This time, there's no kidding around. Buell is stepping up to another level, offering riders a true track monster.

The new 1125R leaves little doubt about its track potential.

Energy to spare
The 1125R is a virile bike powered by a big, torquey V-twin that's ready to explode as soon as you twist the throttle. This liquid-cooled (!) engine produces 146 horsepower at 9,800 rpm only. For the first time ever, the company chose to rely on a different powerplant than Harley's air-cooled, push-rod twin-cylinder. Instead, they turned to world-renowned Austrian manufacturer Rotax to design an all-new engine.

Compact and ultra-modern, the heart of the new 1125R is all about advanced technology. It was primarily designed with performance in mind, which is why it sounds a bit grumpy at low revs and even more so when you don't push it hard enough. The beast fully wakes up near 3,000 rpm and then, as it gets closer and closer to 7,000 rpm, it literally throws you back.

Thrill seekers will be delighted. The mechanical feel is quite different than with a traditional V-twin using rocker arms, but it's responsive enough to exhilarate most riders. Plus, accelerations are lightning-quick. What's even more impressive than the fact that this mill is more potent than a high-performance inline 4-cylinder is the brutal, unrestrained power delivery. How addictive!

Built in Austria
The precise, smooth-shifting transmission is a reminder that the Buell 1125R went outside the US to get a heart transplant. Boasting well-calibrated gear ratios and a limited-slip clutch system, this transmission allows you to shift gears in the blink of an eye. What's more, the sixth gear considerably reduces engine speed on the highway, making for less unwanted vibrations and more comfort.

Compact and ultra-modern, the heart of the new 1125R is all about advanced technology.
1 - 2 - 3 >>